As the title may suggest, what are your thoughts of today's physicality, in comparison to the "old school" or "old" era?

After watching this video

I was left contrasting the aggressiveness of the eras and trying to figure out possible factors. I was trying to dig up some statistics on how many technical fouls + flagrant fouls were called per year, but ESPN cuts off at 1999 -- the NBA, 2005.

Obviously, a lot more was allowed back in the older NBA era, but I was wondering what factors some of you thought played a role?

Edited by -Wade-, May 12, 2013 - 05:54 PM.

"I'm always a firm believer in us being able to make our own decisions." --Kobe Bryant

It's soft as [expletive]. No questions asked. If Mohammad made a push like that in the 90's, he woulda been mauled by the opposing team.

There woulda been at least 3 ejections + suspension.

It has to do with players being able to shoot. I believe that since players are taking a lot more jumpshots then they did in the 90's physical defense is non-existent. Back then a lot of points were scored in the post off layups and inside moves... so defense was needed.

These cats couldn't handle that 80's bball. The Bad Boy Pistons or the The Knicks... Them ol ponk a** Celtics... Charles Barkley aka the Hit Man.. That was the best era IMO.... This watered down blow in your ear whistle and get a foul is garbage... Like 30 to 50 free throws a game just slows it down.

Extremely soft. As the game has become more perimeter oriented, the physicality of players in the interior has been drastically reduced. No tone is set inside by the big men, nothing extends out on to the perimeter. In addition the NBA has let flopping become a staple by not doing anything about it in the last decade and, in some instances, encouraging it. Their most recent rule has been completely ineffective because they never want to fine or target their star players, just role players. Completely useless.

It's a damn shame, the NBA was much more compelling 15+ years ago. You can't let players go crazy and beat the hell out of eachother, but that doesn't mean that you have to curb physical play to such an extent. Honestly, it's probably because they were scared [expletive]less after the Detroit/Indiana incident of public backlash. The NBA was in a pretty delicate position at the time with the brawl, Kobe's rape trial, and was fading away from mainstream attention bit by bit after the Bulls dynasty had wrapped up.

Extremely soft. As the game has become more perimeter oriented, the physicality of players in the interior has been drastically reduced. No tone is set inside by the big men, nothing extends out on to the perimeter. In addition the NBA has let flopping become a staple by not doing anything about it in the last decade and, in some instances, encouraging it. Their most recent rule has been completely ineffective because they never want to fine or target their star players, just role players. Completely useless.

It's a damn shame, the NBA was much more compelling 15+ years ago. You can't let players go crazy and beat the hell out of eachother, but that doesn't mean that you have to curb physical play to such an extent. Honestly, it's probably because they were scared [expletive]less after the Detroit/Indiana incident of public backlash. The NBA was in a pretty delicate position at the time with the brawl, Kobe's rape trial, and was fading away from mainstream attention bit by bit after the Bulls dynasty had wrapped up.

I enjoy the game to the fullest but part of me just wishes players like durant and Lebron would get a taste of what basketball
Was REALLY like instead of going to the foul line everytime someone blows on them lol.